Triennial Delegates and President of SWO
(President Margrethe Farnstrom, Bertha Miller, Nancy Kingston, Sandy Young & Becky Smith)

Triennial Delegates and Attendees from Oregon

TRIENNIAL SHARING FROM BERTHA MILLER - DELEGATE
Being a part of the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering was a highlight of my summer. The convention center in Salt Lake City was easy to access from our hotels and was filled with the energy and spirit of over 2000 Lutheran women! The backdrop focusing on the theme “Come to the Waters” was a beautiful and colorful display. The talented musicians helped us praise God with new songs (many with a peppy African beat) and familiar favorites. The speakers inspired us and gave us plenty of spiritual food for thought.

In the “Act Boldly” workshop, the leaders used the “I Am She” workbook which is available for download on the Web site. We hit the highlights of the book, and I think it would be a good tool to help us discover our boldest bold and put it into action. Although, sometimes being bold is just showing up.

The Lutheran Women Today Bible Study Introduction was led by the writers and made us all look forward to this study on wisdom literature, specifically the books of Ruth, Esther and part of Daniel. There will be some Power Point material on line that I hope we can learn to use.

“Dismantling Poverty One Consumer Act At A Time” is a project led by the Women’s Funding Network through their Good Deed Foundation. We have been given a goal to recycle 250,000 cell phones through their network to dismantle poverty. Another project they are working on is to establish a “Buycott” with major Food Companies where a percentage of the purchase price would go toward the foundation.

The Healthy Hearts Fair emphasized our understanding of heart health. Each of 12 display tables were connected with a particular verse from the bible as well as a hands-on-activity. I enjoyed the one that displayed chocolate as good heart food. Yum!

I did not have time to work at the Docks, but I did wander through to see everything being made for the in-kind gifts that will be distributed to the needy.

The Women of the ELCA really know how to throw a gathering!!!! I’m looking forward to Spokane in 2011!!!!

God’s Blessings!
Bertha Miller

President:
Margrethe Farnstrom
7988 SW Scholls Ferry Rd.
Beaverton, Oregon 97008
gefarn@yahoo.com
503-526-1025

Secretary:
Judy Ann Johnson, 52068 SE 5th Scappoose, Oregon 97056
judyannj@centurytel.net, 503-543-2031

Vice President:
Charlene Beedle, 965 Molokai St., Salem, Oregon 97317
charbeedle@earthlink.net, 503-581-7588

Treasurer:
(term is 2/1/08 to 1/31/10)
Naoma Lee, SE 8960 SE Dean Drive, Clackamas, Oregon 97015, sslc@sslcgladstone.org, 503-655-7655

Editor of The Oregon Grapevine
Becky Smith, bsmith8816@yahoo.com